2021 Shakopee UK Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2021 Shakoee UK Cultural Journey ! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting program so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we can't wait to start our enriching adventure!
Travel Dates: June 16, 2021 - June 25, 2021
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $3,499 USD - or - $3,399 USD with discount if paid in full
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $800

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $3,499

Pay in Full

Pay in full at the time of enrollment and receive a $100 discount off your program tuition! Payment with the discount would be:

$3,399.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$96.75

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

United Kingdom Cultural Journey

Welcome to the United Kingdom, comprised of four separate nations under one flag: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Home to roughly 65 million people, the UK is a constitutional monarchy with most real power based at Parliament in Westminster, while the head of state is currently Queen Elizabeth II based at Buckingham Palace. The capital of the UK and England is London, one of two global “alpha” cities in the world (along with New York). Two millennia old, it is a world cultural center and is a leading city in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, transport, and more. You’ll ride the London Underground (the Tube), walk the River Thames, visit the ancient Tower of London, explore beautiful Covent Garden, learn at Parliament, and so much more.

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Witness the Changing of the Guard in London

Visit the Houses of Parliament

Tour Oxford University

Tour the Game of Thrones museum in Belfast

Learn at Trinity College Dublin

Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland

Explore Windsor Castle

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
1USA - Shannon, IrelandBoard your overnight flight to Shannon Airport.Airplane
2Shannon/KillarneyYour Program Leader will meet you up at the airport and escort you to your private motor coach. You'll depart Shannon for the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a beautiful 112-mile coastal road that wraps around the southern coast of Ireland. We'll experience beautiful castles, monasteries and explore Killarney National Park . We will also see an amazing sheep-dog demonstration and if we're lucky, there may be puppies who we will see learning to herd sheep by first herding ducks!Hotel in Killarney
3Killarney - DublinOn our way to Dublin, we will stop at Blarney Castle where the story goes that all who kiss the Blarney Stone will be given the gift of eloquence. (Just don't think about the thousands of other people who have also kissed the stone!) We'll also visit St. Patrick's Rock - a castle dating back to 1100 BC. After lunch we'll head into Dublin, Ireland's capital city. We'll visit Trinity College and the famous "Book of Kells", a manuscript that is over 1,000 years old and one of the most beautifully illustrated version of the gospels ever created. We'll get a quick look at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the cityscape of Dublin as we head back to our hotel for the night.Hotel in Dublin
4DublinWe will have a hearty breakfast this morning because we'll be enjoying a walking tour of Dublin today. We will start by taking a look inside of St. Patrick's Cathedral accompanied by an expert guide who will speak to the significance of this church. We'll visit famous O'Connell Street, and we'll end the day with a traditional public house dinner.Hotel in Dublin
5Dublin - Holyhead - Stratford-upon-AvonWe've traveled by air and by land, and today we'll travel by sea when we boardour ferry to Holyhead, Wales ! When we arrive in the United Kingdom, we will visit one of the iconic Castles in the area; either Caernarfon Castle or Conwy Castle. Both castles were built by Edward I. After lunch, we will head to Snowdonia National Park where, in the summer months, we will take a train to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales . Tonight, we'll travel to Stratford and check into our hotel in England.Hotel in Stratford
6Stratford - LondonGood morning from the birthplace of Shakespeare! We begin our day with a walking tour of this quaint town , visiting the gardens at Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre along the River Avon. After lunch, we head to London where we will begin with awalking tour of Southwark. This evening, we will board the London Eye, one of the largest ferris wheels in the world , and enjoy a stunning view overlooking the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. Finally, we'll finish up our busy day with an authentic Indian meal - did you know that chicken tikka masala is the national dish of England?Hotel in London
7LondonThis morning we will start our day with a tour inside the Houses of Parliament (when Parliament is not in session). We'll continue to Buckingham Palace, home of the Queen , where we will witness the Changing of the Guard . From there, we'll have a quick lunch, and continue our tour through St. James's Park, to 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Benjamin Franklin's House, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. We will have time this afternoon to shop and explore Covent Garden . And tonight we'll enjoy a show in London's West End !Hotel in London
8LondonToday, we'll continue our tour of London at the Tower of London . Home to many prisoners over two millennia, this massive fortification is still home to the stunning Crown Jewels. Next, we'll cross the Tower Bridge and walk along the Thames past City Hall, the HMS Belfast, and the Globe Theatre. We'll also cross the Millennium Bridge to marvel at St. Paul's Cathedral . And after a lunch of fish and chips, we'll head to Windsor Castle, the second home of the Royal Family and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.Hotel in London
9LondonThis morning we will start our day at the British Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. Among 8 million artifacts, the original Rosetta Stone calls this museum home. We'll continue to Borough Market for lunch and have time to explore this local market. In the afternoon, we will explore the Churchill War Rooms , a magnificent series of bunkers beneath central London, where the British government continued operations during the Battle of Britain during World War II.Hotel in London
10London - USAToday we will say goodbye to England and head home with memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers!Home!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Sneem Hotel

This 4-star hotel is located in the middle of Sneem Village. This hotel is situated along the Sneem River and gives its guests a taste of the Irish country side, as it is a short drive from local farms and hiking trails. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

 

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is just a train ride from the busy streets of Dublin. This 3-star hotel is full of warm colors and modern amenities. Each room comfortably fits up to 4 guests and has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel to keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

Best Western Grosvenor Hotel

Best Western Grosvenor Hotel is perfectly located for any traveler’s needs. Easy access to motor ways, shopping centers, public parks, tourist attractions and restaurants. This Hotel offers a variety of room configurations and free Wi-Fi access. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Ridgemount Hotel

The Russell family has owned and operated the Ridgemount Hotel since 1786. It is located in central London near the underground and popular attractions. This hotel may be small but the staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

 

Ibis Belfast City Centre Hotel

Ibis Belfast City Centre Hotel is located next to public transportation allowing for easy access to  local attractions, shops and restaurants. This 3-star hotel can accommodate up to 4 students in a room. There is air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access. Students will be grouped in their accommodations according to gender and availability.

 

Hub by Premier Inn – Royal Mile Hotel

Hub by Premier Inn – Royal Mile Hotel is a clean and modern hotel around the corner from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. All rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.  Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Fort William Backpackers

Fort William Backpackers is a hostel in the Scottish Highlands. The hostel is made up of 5 dorm style rooms that can hold a maximum of 8 beds per room. There is a communal kitchen and outdoor patio. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

I thought all in all it was a great experience and wonderful program!! My daughter speaks about her experience daily. She had a ball!!

April
Parent of Jaylah, traveler on 2017 Program to Costa Rica

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

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Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

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